Catholic Prof’s views upset Catholic College

A Catholic professor’s views on diversity are making waves at the Catholic college he teaches at.

A row blew up after Professor Anthony Esolen published two  articles recently

In one of them, Esolen says the “celebrate diversity” culture crowd is “at odds with…the diversity of male and female to be resolved most dynamically and creatively in the union of man and woman in marriage.”

In the other, he expresses concern about the”relentless institutional persecution” Catholics are experiencing.

He asks readers to consider how they will prepare for the “onslaught” when it comes to them.

Esolen’s definition of “diversity” has led some students at the Dominican-led Providence College in Rhode Island where he teaches  to accuse him of racism.

Others have called for him to be sacked.

He says they are angry at his suggestion that “there was something totalitarian in the impulse of the secular left, to attempt to subject our curriculum to the demands of a current political aim.”

Esolen says despite letting all students know he’d be happy to discuss their differences with them, no students have taken him up on the offer.

College President, Father Brian Shanley, suggests the meaning of the word “diversity” be debated.

Added to this, though, he says it’s important to remember “words have an impact on those who hear or read them.

“When a professor questions the value of diversity, the impact on many students, faculty, and staff of color is to feel that their presence is not valued and that they are not welcome at Providence College,” he says.

Shanley also points out Providence College’s Catholic mission is to “embrace people from diverse backgrounds and cultures as a mirror of the universal Church and to seek the unity of that Body in the universal love of Christ.”

He also notes Pope Francis  embracing a variety of cultural backgrounds is a way of connecting with each other… like weaving a blanket “with patience and perseverance, one which gradually draws together stitches to make a more extensive and rich cover.”

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